Bikini Tops Glossary
Asymmetric – A bikini top or one-piece with one shoulder strap. The other shoulder is bare. A high fashion look.
Bandeau – A strapless one-piece or bikini top offering bare shoulders for no tan lines. Best suited for cups sizes A-C.
Banded halter top – A halter bikini top that has a wide elastic band under the bust for added support.
Bandini – A tankini that is bare on the shoulders like a bandeau top.
Bra top – A bikini top styled like a bra with over-the-shoulder straps.
Constructed shelf bra – A hidden component in a bikini top or one piece that incorporated molded foam cups, fabric and a soft, plush wide elastic under the bust. Cups may be sewn into the lining fabric or may be floating inside fabric pockets. Provides the maximum in hidden support.
Contoured top – A bikini top that has cup seams that create a rounded cup shape to fit your body like a second skin.
Cookie pads – Small foam oval shaped pads that can be inserted into the pockets of swim tops for additional uplift and shape.
Embellished – Beads, decorations, heat transfers, embroidery added to any swimsuit.
Enhancer bra top – The world famous enhancer bra top includes molded foam cups for shaping, underwires for support, removable cookie pads in sizes A-C , adjustable elastic shoulder straps and a unique adjustable back strap for a perfect fit.
Enhancer triangle – A triangle shaped bikini top that incorporated the use of a molded foam cup to add shape and fullness to the bust. May or may not have additional cookie pads with pockets.
French bra – Sexy gathered cups with underwires and removable cookie pads. Ties behind the neck and has an adjustable back strap for a perfect fit.
Full Cut top – A bikini top with more cup coverage.
Halter top – A bikini top that ties behind the neck.
Light fastness – The degree to which a fabric holds its original depth of color after being exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time. Pastel colors such as pinks and light blues do not have the light fastness of dark colors such as black and brown.
Long triangle top – A bikini top that has an elongated strap coming from the top of a standard triangle top. Usually has a comfortable sash tie at the neck instead of spaghetti.
Lycra – Lycra is a trademarked name for spandex.
Molded cup – A foam cup that has been permanently molded into its shape. May have thicker padding at the bottom outside of the cup for additional push-up.
Ruched – The technique of gathering the fabric as to create a puckered effect.
Sash – A soft fabric tie at the neck, back or hips to secure the suit on the body.
Seduction top – Molded foam cups with built-in push up pads in a sweetheart shape. Elastic neck and back straps for comfort. Pockets with additional cookie pads in all sizes.
Shaping pads – Rounded foam cups that may be sewn into the lining of the top or slid into lining pockets for shaping. This type of padding does not add fullness.
Shelf bra – A hidden component in a bikini top that is a fabric liner with soft, plush wide elastic under the bust. Provides medium support.
Spaghetti – Thin fabric strings used on swimwear.
Spandex – A synthetic fiber which gives the swimwear fabric (poly or nylon) excellent memory and the ability to stretch a lot more than yarn without spandex.
Specialty foil fabrics – Metallic foils are applied to fabric using a special adhesive in a multi-step process. With care, foils can retain their luster all season long.
Sport top – A bikini top designed with no underwires or padding that might interfere with sports activities. Usually has more coverage than similar styles.
Tankini top – A bikini top with a “skirt” that covers your midsection/belly. Tankinis may be at the waist or longer, depending on the particular style. Combining a tankini top with a higher waisted bottom creates the look of a one-piece suit with the comfort of a bikini.
Triangle top – A bikini top with cups in the basic shape of a triangle. Usually ties behind the neck and back with spaghetti strings.
Tricot – Tricot refers to the type of stretch that the knit fabric has.
Underwire – Metal wires inserted into fabric casings under the bust to enhance the shape and support of the bust.
Underwire triangle – A triangle shaped bikini top that has the shaping of contour halter with cup shaping seams, underwires for support, removable cookie pads for shaping and a totally adjustable back strap for a perfect fit.
Volley top – A bikini top that ties at the neck & back. Wider elastic under the bust and contour cup seams for a stay-put fit.